Equality and diversity on the Island were highlighted last week by the Isle of Wight Council, leading to a passionate and heartfelt speech from a senior councillor.
At the cabinet meeting last Thursday, which saw the approval of the authority’s new dementia strategy, a question was asked by Councillor Geoff Brodie. He stated in the new strategy, the Alliance says it celebrates equality and diversity in our communities but questioned how this ‘celebration’ fits with ‘unapologised posting by the council leader [Cllr Lora Peacey-Wilcox] on her social media of a racially offensive image?’.
Posing the question to Councillor Karl Love, cabinet member for adult social care and public health, Cllr Brodie asked about his refusal to consider its offensiveness at the February full council meeting. Cllr Love was one of a handful of Alliance members who left the council chamber after a row broke out over the doll issue.
Cllr Brodie went on further to ask:
“Would the cabinet member be as relaxed and unconcerned about social media postings by a leading public figure that were offensive to other people with different, protected characteristics?”
In response, Cllr Love read an impassioned speech, explaining the struggles he has faced not only being gay but with his dyslexia.
Defending Cllr Peacey-Wilcox in his statement though, Cllr Love said he had known her for many years and that she was honest in her determination to celebrate and support diversity, inclusivity and equality.
Cllr Love’s full response to Cllr Brodie’s question:
“I understand better than most … I am someone who falls within two of the nine protected characteristics under the Equalities Act 2010. I have and continue, even today, to suffer horrendous hatred and I have had to fight all my life to be free of the chains of discrimination. Some of those chains still remain. I and many other LGBT+ are still not living without an occasional glance over one’s shoulder, to see if we are in fact safe.
“I have been terrorised and traumatised by hatred over the years and I put my head above the parapet, to support and represent the hidden, frightened and silenced voice of others. This has made me and my partner a target but we battle on in the face of it as there is no other way.
“Some of our friends have committed suicide, some too frightened to tell families of their love and life. Those who passed away who I called friends, some died in agony because of discrimination of HIV in the 1990s and I still carry their secrets and pain. Today I still cannot bring myself to hold my partner’s hand in public for fear of hatred and violence.
“That’s before I say anything about what it feels like to struggle and be treated as though I was worthless because of a lifelong struggle I have had with the written word.
“I truly know what bullying is, to be terrified and to consider suicide as a way out. I chose to be someone who would stand up, taking personal risks in doing so, laying down in the road to protest for equality, human rights and educate people about equality and diversity so we can all live a better happier life. And yes, my extended family is of mixed race.
“You take the opportunity within your question to challenge my commitment to equality and make no allowance to the fact, which you knew then and today, of my mother’s passing and how I returned to the Island early, leaving my family grieving when I should not have done so. I returned to undertake my commitment to represent the people of my ward in that full council meeting.
“I was emotional, as I am now and did not respond directly to the issues raised although it may seem so. I responded in my disappointment and grief, to the hostile situation, chaos and manipulation of politics for personal party political gain. Having made my comments, I then left to recover myself.
“I resent bitterly this slur on my character today by someone I respect for being different in their political approach. What I conclude is that these questions are nothing more than an attempt to hurt individuals, to create a narrative of racism that does not exist and damage the public confidence in people and our Island council.
“I can also better understand when there are opportunities to celebrate equality and diversity on our Island such as in the opportunities both my partner and I, our hidden communities, our council and many others have worked hard to create, supporting and encouraging Island people.
“I ensure, as does the adult social care director, who will confirm that equality and diversity are celebrated and engaged in all things and that I champion and ask questions on these matters during our meetings.
“My life experiences have taught me to try to judge people on the facts of a matter and their actions, to resist jumping to simplistic conclusions.
“I am totally confident having known Cllr Peacey Wilcox for many years she is honest in her determination to celebrate and support diversity, inclusivity and equality. Make no mistake, I would simply step away from this administration if I thought otherwise.
“Cllr Brodie has misplaced and burdened me with his anger while not offering any meaningful solutions for the positive engagement and better implementation of equality policy, diversity and inclusive practices. What do you want to see changed to create a more positive inclusive future for island people?
“None of us are perfect, we make mistakes, and it is what we learn, how we deal and respond from that which truly matters.
“Anger will only create anger and that will resolve nothing and I will not be diverted away from this important Dementia Strategy which we bring forward today in an attempt to be more inclusive, transparent and creative.”
Give it a rest with the golly toys, they are just that, toys, clearly Mr Brodie is full of racism if he sees them as something else. If as it appears now, he is homophobic as well, then maybe he should consider taking himself out of public office, unless he can start to concentrate on things that matter to Islanders.
Agreed. Takes peoples minds of all the money lost on the chain link ferry.
At the time, the golly toys were racist. They did perpetuate a stereo type. But that time is gone. They are a good reminder of how we were. They should remain to remind us that we can be and should better to others that are not the same as us.
Very well expressed, Karl.
It seems that Brodie is becoming nothing more that a snivelling wretch. He should go.
Snivelling Wretch. Brodie hasn’t reached those dizzy heights yet
Obviously Councillor Brodie is a full supporter of bullying in the work place. He is not fit to serve the people of the Isle of Wight as all he is doing is bringing the council into disrepute. He should either resign or be sacked. Why does he think bullying is anymore acceptable than racism, IT IS NOT just go Councillor Brodie.
Yes, I agree, No more GOLLY GATE !
With the ongoing farce over the floating tub and social care costs rocketing. What does he think will alleviate unfair costs landing on poll tax payers door every year.
Are members of the council racist? I’d argue, possibly, due to the fact the Island is backwards in it’s thinking, and the last MP was ousted from a 16 year old girl walking out after he said he did not support gay marriage. The elected represent the islanders as a whole, and as a whole Islanders are screwed. Are THESE people really the cream of the crop the Island has to offer?
Stop knocking the island, that’s our job.
Jog on and concentrate on the cesspit that is the mainland, what with all your diversity and culture. Lucky you (NOT).
I am but I like to look back and think about how bad it is there, and how greatly my life has improved because I moved away and met people from different cultures ect. I would like to debate you in a public forum on the state and prosperity on the Island if you’d be up for it? There was can actually discuss the problems the island faces? I’ll even come there. If you want to state your feelings like this (presumably as an adult) we can hash it out in a public forum?
Any time mate.
I was born and bred in Bembridge.
At the age of 12 , I was forced to move to the East End of London and spent 30 years there, where I met my wife. We had a child, and, at school age, I decided to move back to the island, the main reason being was that my son was the only English person in his class.
I still visit London, to watch West Ham Utd.
I have got more knowledge about culture and diversity in my little finger then you will ever have.
How is Lymington treating you,
BIG MAN ?
And about meeting, why don’t we ALL meet up….what fun.
Now f*** off….(lol).
So you will or you wont? I was talking about the problems the Island faces, not what you experienced, but yeah lets do it! A debate in a public forum and invite islanders too? Who are you calling big man? Im not big at all, I’ve just asked if you would like a discussion in public, and you get all defensive and insult me? So yeah lets do it man! I can send over my e-mail/phone number? Book out a little hall somewhere on the Island? We can invite the council too so they can hear our opposing views and maybe will give them ideas how to help the Island? OR, are you NOT as much as a big man than me, and hides behind the keyboard? Do it man, come out into the spotlight and fight for your cause. Tbh I bet we agree on a lot of the issues the island faces. (I bet diversity and wokeism is to blame for newport highstreets shutting up because thats what everything is being blamed on these days). But yeah you said you will, “Any time”, and then tell me to “F off.” so will you or wont you?
Yes, sure buddy.
But, (not making excuses).
I can’t/don’t want to get into any more trouble (yet) lol.
I am due at IW crown court on the 4 April. All welcome.
I wish I was another keyboard warrior, but alas, I am not.
Look forward to meeting you.
I might however be a little pre-occupied (reg, the trial etc.).
Don’t really want to go back to prison, as I am not a prison person.
But good for you, for standing by your conviction’s. (Excuse the pun).
Ah best of luck with whatever the case is. That is fine, I am currently finishing up my studies, so say summer time? That way we can prepare, set a date, time, agree on topics/on a moderator and invite the members of the island. With our opposing views maybe we can bring out the best in each other and highlight a lot of problems there, and in our discussions make people think/come up with ideas how to fix them. I myself have a laundry list on a variety of subjects on the Island, from its economic state to the lack of employment. Is there a way to contact you privatly apart from being on here?